What should be done with materials suspected of containing asbestos during renovation?

Materials suspected of containing asbestos must be tested for asbestos before any demolition activity. This process is crucial because asbestos poses serious health risks, including lung diseases and cancer, when fibers are disturbed and inhaled. Testing allows for proper identification of hazardous materials, ensuring that appropriate safety measures and regulations are followed before any work begins.

Conducting tests enables workers to determine the presence of asbestos and decide on the correct course of action, such as whether specialized removal procedures are required or if certain safety protocols need to be implemented. Ignoring suspected asbestos materials, removing them without precautions, or attempting to encapsulate them with paint do not adequately manage the potential risks posed by asbestos, and can lead to dangerous exposure for workers and building occupants. Proper testing and abatement procedures are essential for safe renovation practices.